A ten-year-old sadly passed away after a hit-and-run incident on the N10 outside Cradock, en route to Middelburg, in the Eastern Cape.

“The child was placed in alternative care in Tarkastad and visited family in Cradock, for the winter holidays,” reports ACVV area manager and social worker Caren van Rensburg from Cradock.

He was playing with friends under the bridge near the railway station when he was hit by a truck at 22:00 on Wednesday.

He was immediately admitted to Cradock Provincial Hospital, where he sadly passed away on Friday night. The child was a Grade 3 learner at Tarkastad Primary School.

“We are heartbroken, shocked and very sad,” reacted Jenny van Heerden from Tarkastad.

“We loved him so much, he enjoyed dancing when music was played,” reported Meisie Swartz, who knew the child well.

Colonel Namhla Mdleleni, the media representative for police in the Chris Hani area, confirmed that a case of culpable homicide has been opened at the Cradock Police Station, and is currently under investigation.

The management of the alternative care centre, where the child stayed, responded that:

“The loss of one of our children, while on holiday, is an exceptionally sad and tragic event. He will be missed by his friends, our employees, management and board. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.”

Another child hit by a vehicle

Meanwhile, Potchefstroom Herald reports that a five-year-old child was hit by a light motor vehicle yesterday.

The incident also occurred on a highway – the N12 – and the child was transported to a local hospital in a stable but serious condition.